M wears green wolf ears every day. Pointy, furry, teal on a headband.
Earlier, I help M paint the inside of a large cardboard box yellow. She takes off her headband, pokes her head inside the box, and paints the back. In a moment, she returns, sitting up on her knees. M is a pretty girl. Her honey skin and dark brown eyes are exquisite features. I’m surprised. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen M without her ears. She looks older suddenly, not so child-like. She finishes covering the back of the box in paint. “What do you think?” she asks.
“Perfect!”I say.
“It looks good enough,” she shrugs with a smile.
“Hey, I didn’t know you could hear without your ears?” I tease, looking at the two bedraggled triangles lying on the newspaper.
“Yeah,” she pauses to restore them. “Not nearly as well, though.”
I admire M. She is nine-years-old about to turn ten and a complete original. She has all kinds of interests including, music, electronics, animals, and comics. Today she is wearing a frilly, floral dress over a pink sweatsuit.
M is kind to me. I’m a newcomer to the school, and she talks to me with a genuine interest, and invites me to participate. Today, it’s painting the box.
M is kind to everyone. She has even taken B under her wing. B, who is little clumsy and shy, and has had a hard time making friends this year.
It’s just before lunch now, and we’re about to celebrate M’s birthday, which takes place over the weekend. The class is excited to celebrate her, and a few children give her a gift of a pink, felt crown; wolf ears peek through the top.
Everyone is singing Happy Birthday. M beams in the middle of our circle. It occurs to me that the crown is fitting: M is a benevolent queen. A queen who shares all the love and kindness she has with her peers. It’s a special kindness, one that can only be generated when you truly love yourself first. May you always have that love, M; my wish for you.
What a beautiful post especially, “…M is a benevolent queen.” What a perfect description.
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Noticing the ‘specialness’ of our students is so important. What a beautiful wish you have for M. Thanks for a poignant slice!
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This is such a lovely writing about M. They all have their own little personalities that make them unique. But sometimes, there’s one or two that would stick out.
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M sounds like lovely and considerate child. Hope she never outgrows her kindness.
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What a great wish for M. It’s a really special tribute you’ve written for her.
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The special kindness when you truly love yourself–really beautiful. (And yes, sitting here with goosies again. Good grief!) I love the universe M has created for herself–what a gift for all of those who are invited in.
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If only there were more like M in the world. Her wolf ears reminded me of a character in Goodbye Stranger by R. Stead. She wore cat ears. M is quirky but with a good heart.
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Such a beautiful moment. Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks for sharing! I love those kids that march to the beat of their own drum. She sounds very special.
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Oh I just loved this tribute to your student. I often imagine Ev being a little quirky like that, so I especially appreciated the way your illuminated how her originality is her own unique gift. M sounds like an amazing one!
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